Since the beginning of this year, there has been a rash of catalytic converter thefts throughout Abington Township. Today, the Abington Township Police Department announced an arrest has been made in relation to those thefts.

On August 26, 2021, 46-year-old Timothy Clarke, of Levittown, PA, was arrested and charged with felony theft and criminal mischief by detectives from Abington, Bensalem and Bristol Police Departments. Clarke has since been released on unsecured bail.

From the Abington Township Police Department:

The common characteristic of these crimes entails suspects pulling up next to the targeted vehicle, quickly jacking it up, and forcefully removing the catalytic converter using a reciprocating saw. The act can be accomplished in minutes, and the victim does not discover the theft until they observe their vehicle operating inefficiently. The thieves target these parts because they are easily sold at scrap yards for the precious metals contained within them. Although the thief usually is paid a couple hundred dollars for the part, it costs the victim a couple thousand dollars to make the repairs.